OPEN ARMS TPMH Cancer Patients' Support Group, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

About us

Open Arms is a charity committed to offering support to Service personnel, entitled civilians and their families who are coping with the effects of a diagnosis of cancer whilst serving in Cyprus.

Patient Support

The system in place for Service personnel and dependants suffering chronic illness to claim financial and practical assistance is well established. There are, however, areas it cannot cover. Open Arms aims to fill in some of the gaps by, whenever possible, alleviating the additional cost associated with on-going and long-term treatment. For those who have to return to the UK for a Specialist appointment, surgery or treatment, we can often give advice and provide practical help with travel and accommodation difficulties. We can also assist patients in maintaining telephone links with their families, whilst offering continued support to those separated during treatment and convalescence.

It is our intention to mirror the best practice of Oncology units and G.P. surgeries in the UK. With this in mind, we are offering patients courses of complementary therapy treatments.

We have a self help group which is made up of past and present cancer patients and their partners. Our aim is to support one another practically and emotionally. The group is backed up by the committee which, if and when needed, can call on health and welfare professionals.

Open Arms came into being in 1999 when a group of patients undergoing treatment began to meet on an informal basis to offer one another emotional support and practical help and advice.
As Health and Welfare professionals were consulted, it was soon realised that there are particular and often significant difficulties faced by cancer patients and their families who are based in Cyprus, often far away from the natural support network of family and close friends.
With the invaluable help and advice given by the appropriate military units, and as a result of all the affected parties coming together, the Open Arms TPMH Cancer Patients Support Group was formed.
A diagnosis of cancer is a life changing experience. Our aim is to help people see that there can be positive aspects to this - you don't have to be a victim.

Open Arms is a voluntary organization. We raise money by holding a week long Island–wide event each year known as ‘The Great Spring Breakfast Challenge.’ Our only other sources of income are through the sale of notelets and Christmas cards, and, very importantly, money raised on our behalf by caring members of the community

We can offer patients and members of their family practical help and advice on matters which fall outside that which can be given by the Military.

We can help with:

Air tickets, if unavailable through normal channels, for someone whose support would help you at this time or in the near future.

A paid home helper/family carer to support you following surgery, during treatment or if you need to return to the UK for treatment or a medical appointment.

Where appropriate we can arrange:

Transport to and from the hospital where you are to receive your treatment.

Help with accommodation for your partner and children while you are receiving your initial treatment in UK.

Transport to the home of a relative or friend if you have to wait for a return flight to the UK after hospital appointments.

We can arrange:

Professional counselling for you, your partner and/or your children.

Access to a financial adviser if you are having difficulties in managing your budget.

We can provide an air conditioner or heater for patients in cases where the body’s thermostat is being affected by treatment.

Help with specialised items of clothing, appliances or furniture.

A mobile phone to enable families to stay in touch during hospital visits or treatment in the UK.

As an aid to well-being, a course of complementary therapy for both patient and the supporting family member during and/or following treatment.

Where needed, the committee can call on health and welfare professionals with a particular interest and experience in the field of oncology, plus medical staff with aeromed experience. Counselling can also be arranged for the patient or a family member.

Give access to Cancer Organizations in the UK and the Cyprus Republic.